1st Stryker combat vehicles coming to Fort Carson

Feb. 6, 2014 - 05:29PM
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FORT CARSON, COLO. — The first Stryker combat vehicles are arriving at Fort Carson as one the postís brigades begins its conversion from tanks to vehicles designed to deploy quickly and take over some of the roles of tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

Soldiers will unload the vehicles from a train on Friday morning. Thatís a day later than originally planned because the train from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington was delayed.

The Strykers will replace the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Teamís Abrams tanks and Bradleys. Strykers weigh less and use less fuel than tanks.

The conversion is part of the Armyís reorganization as the U.S. withdraws from Afghanistan and Iraq.

The changeover at Fort Carson will take about 10 months. The 1st Brigade will be re-designated as a Stryker combat brigade.